In response to some emails we sent out to all of the Florida State Parks about Campground Hosts and Park/Residential Hosts positions that get a campsite with amenities in exchange for working; most were what you would expect but this one struck me as different. I mean, how many parks have horses living and being take care by the park rangers and volunteers? That is just too cool.
The initial response to our email:
Hi Jolene. Listed below are the volunteer host opportunities I have available. Firewood is available as we remove trees that are blocking trails and roads. Unfortunately, the summer months are very difficult to encourage volunteers to camp with us. I have sent out probably 50 or 60 announcements like the one below with very little response. Currently my three sites are vacant. Fall, Winter and Spring are no problem.
Randy
And with more details about the position below including the ability to operate certain kinds of machinery for those handipeople out there:
Hello, I have a position available at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. This position is a volunteer host rather than a campground host. You would be camping at our administrative/maintenance area and would assist park rangers with their daily duties. This involves maintaining hiking, horseback, and mountain bike trails, resource management activities such as prescribed burning, general maintenance of equipment and buildings, patrol of trails, roads and boundary lines, and any other routine duties necessary for the operation of the park. The ability to operate or learn to operate a medium sized tractor and implements is also desired. Equipment you would be using include: in addition to the tractor, a smaller Kubota tractor, Polaris Ranger, Kawasaki Mule, various ATV’s, riding and push mowers, chainsaws, string trimmers, and assorted power hand tools. Some administrative/clerical work assisting the park administrative staff is also possible.
The park also has 4 Florida Cracker horses that are used for parades, special events, and park patrol. You would be involved in their care and feeding, assist with their training, and be involved with special events and programs relating to the horses.
The ability to work individually and independently would be an asset since the park operates with a very small staff.
You can find an excellent description of San Felasco Hammock on the web at:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/San-Felasco-Hammock
Work requirements of the position are a minimum of 20 hours per week. Your schedule can be very flexible however.
You may occupy the site for up to sixteen weeks during a fiscal year, (July 1 – June 30) however additional time can be approved with written approval from the District Bureau Chief.
There is a 30 amp/50 amp hook-up, water, and sewer. The volunteer village has a small shed with a washer and dryer.
If you believe this is something you’d like to do, please contact me and I will be glad to discuss this in more detail.
Randy Brown
Resident Park Manager II/Volunteer Coordinator
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
(386) 462-7905
Randall.E.Brown@dep.state.fl.us
We hope you will share this post with your family, friends, followers and those who love horses as well as to all those handipersons out there. If you would like more information about these positions please the Volunteer Coordinator directly as soon as possible!
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